Lightning News

Lightning Prospect Spotlight: Brayden Point

by
Doug Spencer
/ Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning prospect Brayden Point was selected to team WHL for the Subway Super Series this year and played in two games last week.. This is an annual tournament in which each league in the Canadian Hockey League will submit a team to face off against the Russian national junior team. Although Point only managed one assist in two games, he still managed to generate headlines.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie, a hockey guru and leader when it comes to knowledge of the game, had nothing but praise for the Moose Jaw center. “I thought Brayden Point was the best player on the ice for Team WHL in its first game against the Russians.” McKenzie said. “He wasn’t the biggest or strongest or fastest player on the ice, and that’s not likely to ever change, but he always seemed to have the puck or make plays to generate scoring changes for his team. Some players seem to have a knack for making (good) things happen, and Point appears to be one of them.”

The Lightning acquired Point in the third round, 79th overall, of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The Calgary, Alberta, native is in his third season with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League.

While he may not be an intimidating player in stature, Point makes up for it with his determination and willingness to get to the dirty areas. He is tremendously creative with the puck and that shows as both his goal and point totals have only increased each year in the WHL.

After a strong performance for the Warriors last season, where he put up 36 goals and 91 points in only 72 games, Point seems right on track to duplicate, if not surpass, those numbers. So far this season he has notched 11 goals and 26 points in just 19 games.

It is not just the offense that has been noticeable for the young pivot from Calgary this year. He is sporting the “C” on his jersey as Moose Jaw named him the 30th captain in team history before this season. Being handed the proverbial reigns to a team can be a lot of pressure for a young player, but Point has not shown any drop in his game since being selected to wear the “C”. In fact, you could argue he has only elevated his game.

As his season rolls on, expect Point to challenge for a spot on the Canadian national junior team. While nothing is guaranteed, as long as Point continues playing strong and demonstrating his creative ability on the ice, he will be in contention to be sporting a Team Canada sweater come Christmas time.